Multi-Criteria Decision Modeling for Environmental Assessment. An Estimation of Total Economic Value in Protected Natural Areas

Abstract

The conceptualization of Total Economic Value (TEV) associated with protected natural areasnecessarily requires an analytical reordering that ensures a simultaneous incorporation of natural, social andeconomic components. Based on this purpose, the present paper uses a multi-criteria decision modeling forthe economic valuation of environmental goods and services (EGS) in the Vinales National Park (PNV) basedon a combination of methods such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Goal Programming (GP)with other traditional such as the income updating method. The proposed procedure allowed estimate anindicator of Total Economic Value (TEV) and its different components: Direct Use Value (DUV), Indirect UseValue (IUV), Option Value (OV), Existence Value (EV) and Bequest Value (BV). The obtained results represent a contribution from economic science to the definition of environmental policies, allocation and distribution of financial resources, as well as the design and implementation of management plans or other strategic projections.